Today we’d like to introduce you to Tri Tang.
Hi Tri, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
President – Vietnamese Community of Minnesota (2023–2026)
A Unifying Leader for a New Generation
Tri Tang’s presidency marks a transformative chapter in the history of the Vietnamese Community of Minnesota (VCM). Elected in August 2023, he assumed leadership at a pivotal moment, bringing a vision centered on unity, inclusion, cultural preservation, and cross-community partnership.
From the beginning of his term, President Tri Tang focused on one core mission: bringing the Vietnamese community together across generations, organizations, and backgrounds. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, service, humility, and long-term community building rather than individual recognition.
Building Unity Within the Vietnamese Community
Under his leadership, VCM initiated an unprecedented effort to unify Vietnamese organizations across Minnesota. He actively reached out and brought together:
Vietnamese churches and temples
Vietnamese social service organizations
Vietnamese language schools
Vietnamese student associations
Vietnamese veterans organizations
Senior groups and cultural organizations
This unification strengthened communication, coordination, and collective action within the Vietnamese community, creating a more connected and resilient community network.
Community Programs and Engagement
President Tri Tang expanded VCM’s role as a community convener by launching programs and events that bring people together in meaningful ways. These initiatives include:
Karaoke contests to celebrate cultural expression
Tennis tournaments to promote healthy lifestyles
Pickleball tournaments to engage all age groups
Soccer tournaments to connect youth and families
These programs created new spaces for connection, participation, and shared identity across generations.
Cross-Community Partnerships
Beyond the Vietnamese community, President Tri Tang expanded VCM’s partnerships with other communities and institutions, fostering mutual respect and cooperation. These collaborations include partnerships with:
Lao, Cambodian, Indian, Hmong, and Chinese communities
Minnesota National Guard
Vietnam War Veterans organizations
Minnesota legislators
Minnesota Humanities Center
Minnesota Historical Society
Minnesota Department of Health
and other civic and community institutions
These partnerships strengthened VCM’s presence as a trusted community partner and bridge-builder in Minnesota.
Cultural Preservation and Historical Legacy
One of President Tri Tang’s most significant contributions has been elevating the historical narrative of Vietnamese Minnesotans.
Under his leadership, VCM brought the 50-year history of the Vietnamese Community of Minnesota, from the Fall of Saigon in April 1975 to the present day, to the broader Minnesota public. This effort ensured that the Vietnamese American story became part of Minnesota’s shared historical memory.
This work received major public recognition and media coverage from:
WCCO News
Fox 9 News
KSTP News
Kare 11 News
Star Tribune
Local newspapers and community media outlets
Recognition and Honors
In 2025, for the first time in its history, VCM received the Outstanding Service Award from the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM). This honor recognized the organization’s leadership, service, and statewide impact under President Tri Tang’s leadership.
Leadership Philosophy
President Tri Tang’s leadership is grounded in the belief that:
Community is built through service, not position
Unity is stronger than division
Culture must be preserved through action, education, and participation
Leadership is about creating opportunities for others to lead
His approach reflects a deep commitment to intergenerational unity, ensuring that elders are honored, youth are empowered, and families are connected through shared identity and purpose.
A Lasting Legacy
Tri Tang’s presidency represents more than a term in office—it represents a legacy of transformation. His leadership has:
Unified organizations that once worked separately
Expanded community programs across generations
Built strong cross-cultural partnerships
Elevated Vietnamese American history to statewide awareness
Strengthened VCM as a respected community institution
His legacy is one of connection, continuity, and community strength, laying a foundation that future leaders can build upon for decades to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Vietnamese Community is a nonprofit organization, and all of our work is currently carried out by dedicated volunteers without compensation. Every three years, we hold an election to select a new president and leadership team.
Over the past three years, we have experienced some of the most significant growth and success our Vietnamese community has seen in over 50 years in Minnesota. However, I am concerned that after each election, the new leadership team may have to start from the ground up again. Much of the knowledge, experience, and relationships that our team has built during this time are difficult to fully transfer.
To ensure continuity and sustained growth, we believe it is essential to secure funding to support 2–3 paid staff members. These individuals would help preserve institutional knowledge, maintain ongoing initiatives, and provide stability for our organization. With this support, we can continue to grow stronger, serve our community more effectively, and build on the foundation we have worked so hard to establish.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As I mention in the first question:
President Tri Tang’s leadership is grounded in the belief that: Community is built through service, not position Unity is stronger than division Culture must be preserved through action, education, and participation Leadership is about creating opportunities for others to lead His approach reflects a deep commitment to intergenerational unity, ensuring that elders are honored, youth are empowered, and families are connected through shared identity and purpose. A Lasting Legacy Tri Tang’s presidency represents more than a term in office—it represents a legacy of transformation. His leadership has: Unified organizations that once worked separately Expanded community programs across generations Built strong cross-cultural partnerships Elevated Vietnamese American history to statewide awareness Strengthened VCM as a respected community institution His legacy is one of connection, continuity, and community strength, laying a foundation that future leaders can build upon for decades to come.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking is the first step—where friends, mentors, and teammates are found.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vietnam-minnesota.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VietnameseComnunityOfMinnesota
